H.R. 4564: Dillon’s Law (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill, known as Dillon’s Law, aims to modify existing regulations regarding the treatment of children with asthma in schools. Here's a breakdown of the main components of the bill:

Expanding Definitions

The bill seeks to change the terminology in the Public Health Service Act. Specifically, it moves from referring to "school personnel" to "trained personnel," which broadens the category of individuals who can be involved in administering medical assistance in schools.

Training and Certification of Individuals

Elementary and secondary schools will be allowed to classify individuals who are not school employees as part of their "trained personnel" under certain conditions:

The individual must meet specific training requirements outlined in the legislation.
The state's attorney general must reaffirm the state's certification, taking into account the involvement of these trained individuals.

Epinephrine Delivery Systems

The bill modifies the language around epinephrine administration. Instead of "auto-injectable epinephrine," it introduces the term "epinephrine delivery systems," which may encompass a broader range of devices and methods for administering this important medication in emergency situations.

Correction of Typos

Additionally, the bill includes a minor correction to a typographical error in the previous text of the Public Health Service Act, ensuring clarity in the legal language.

Preference for Grant Programs

One significant provision of the bill is that states that adopt these changes allowing trained individuals to administer epinephrine would receive preference in grant programs related to children’s asthma treatment. This incentivizes states to allow trained personnel access and authority to act in emergencies within school settings.

Impact on State and Local Education Systems

The intent of the bill is to enhance the availability of care for students experiencing asthma attacks or allergic reactions during school, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for children.